A Week of music and dancing at Hill house, with 1950s milk shakes with rock and roll dancers and enjoying a 1920’s sing along party.
Monday morning in our day lounge we spent the morning immersed in a fun game of 1960’s themed the price is right, working together to guess the prices from 1960 and 2022, we were shocked and had many conversations about how much more things cost today.
That afternoon, we gathered for a game of music bingo, singing the next verse to know what song to cross off, got everyone laughing as some songs where easier than others.
Others spent time completing jigsaw puzzles. Doing a puzzle exercises the area of the brain that stores memories. A person must remember pieces they’ve seen before when putting a puzzle together. Strengthening and exercising short-term memory is especially important for older adults. Putting together a puzzle strengthens the connections within a person’s brain.
Tuesday morning, our fantastic carers spent time one to one with us as we made needle work bookmarks.
Our morning exercise class took place in the day lounge. Chair exercises are an excellent way to build strength and improve flexibility without putting too much strain on your body. Chair exercises also improve mobility by increasing blood flow and loosening your joints.
Wednesday morning, we took on a fun white board game as part of our regular brain training activities; we tasked ourselves to name as many types of dances as we could, from tap dancing to hip-hop.
Sensory Therapy dolls helps us feel useful and needed with a positive to focus on. It has been proven to help someone with dementia feel comforted and soothed. Another reason therapy dolls are helpful is that they can bring back happy memories of early parenthood for both women and men. Many older adults enjoy rocking and cuddling their doll. Some even adopt the baby as their own and make caring for it as part of their daily routine. These two ladies sat for ages chatting about being parents and life.
Our 1950s day was lots of fun with our rock and roll girls singing and dancing their way around the home with their interactive milkshake cart.
We know that regular physical activity and healthy diets are important for healthy aging. Our interactive carts are perfect to promote hydration and encourage movement and exercise as everyone couldn’t help but dance to the music.
Thursday morning, we gathered to arrange this amazing floral vase. Flower arranging is a great activity for seniors with dementia. It engages the senses, provides cognitive and sensory stimulation, improves motor skills, and instils a sense of independence and accomplishment. It is an excellent way to preserve quality of life for a population that may struggle with finding such.
Others enjoyed a relaxing trip to the hairdresser.
Friday morning, we got out and about exploring the beautiful autumn leaves and flowers. This lovely lady took lots of pictures so she can cut them out for her greeting card crafts.
Photography can lift the spirits, change our mood and help us to look beyond what life can sometimes throw at us.
Friday morning we added our memories to our scrapbooks in our garden view lounge.
Our 1920s dancing through the decade party was great fun with singing and dancing
Saturday, as we transition into autumn, our display table has been lovingly decorated. We have been out collecting leaves and twigs on garden walks. That morning we took part in an autumn sensory activity using the leaf display on our interactive Omi projector and listening to the sounds of nature while feeling the crunchy leaves and twigs on our touch trays.
Everyday objects will stimulate the senses and bring back positive memories and emotions. By arousing any of the five senses, the residents will experience improved mood, self-esteem, and well-being.
We spent the afternoon making cards using ink pads. Their creativity in mixing ink colours and designs to make beautiful birthday cards paid off as the results were amazing.
Sunday morning, we got immersed in our watercolour painting, creating stunning greeting cards for birthdays and thank you cards. Imaginations flourish as these brilliant painters exercised their artistic skills as they decorate cards with different watercolour paints.
Sunday afternoon, we took on a giant game of floor darts.
